This is the one you worry about. If a foundation sinks, a roof truss lifts, or a load-bearing wall shifts, the plaster will crack badly. Look for wide cracks (over 1/4 inch) , cracks that run across the ceiling and down the wall, or cracks near door frames that cause the doors to stick.
While settlement is normal, significant structural movement is a more serious concern. Cracks caused by structural issues often look different than cosmetic hairline cracks. what causes plaster to crack
If the wall wasn't cleaned or primed with a bonding agent (like PVA ), the plaster can "de-bond" and pull away, creating hollow spots that eventually split. 🏗️ Structural Shifts This is the one you worry about
You’ve just painted a room or patched a small dent, only to wake up to a spiderweb of fine lines running across your beautiful plaster walls. It’s frustrating, but here’s the truth: plaster cracks are rarely random. They are almost always a symptom of a deeper issue. 🏗️ Structural Shifts You’ve just painted a room
These cracks are more than skin deep and usually signal that the house itself is moving.
Before you reach for the filler, let’s diagnose what is actually causing that crack.